The Old Mart Museum -- History, Not "His-Story"…read more When we toured the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, we were offered the chance to double down on history -- prepay access to the Old Slave Mart Museum just a few blocks away. We took it. But first? Food. Because nothing says "processing 18th-century imprisonment" like realizing your blood sugar is tanking. After regrouping and refueling, we made our way to the Old Mart Museum. The lesson takes place upstairs -- smaller space, more intimate setting. No theatrics. No dramatics. Just truth. Our guide -- well-groomed, composed, clear-spoken -- absolutely killed it. No sensationalism. No softening. Just facts delivered with gravity. What he described was horrific. Human beings cataloged. Sold. Families separated. Lives reduced to transactions. It was hard to hear. But it was history -- not HIS-story. There's a difference. This wasn't about personal interpretation or modern spin. It was documented record. It was accountability. It was context. Charleston is beautiful. Charming. Architectural eye candy. But layered beneath that beauty is commerce that once depended on human suffering. And standing in that upstairs room, listening quietly, you feel that weight. We walked out quieter than we walked in. Some stops on this trip were fun. Some were adventurous. This one was necessary.

This is a very small museum, it's in the actual building where they sold slaves in the 1800s. They…read morehaven't remodeled it a lot so you're walking on the actual floor and you can see the actual walls as they were back in the day. It is only seven dollars a person. The displays are very good. There's a lot to read, and there are some artifacts. A very tiny bookstore at the beginning with well curated selection.

Visited: February 16, 2026…read more The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon was the perfect blend of history and hustle. From the moment you step onto the grounds, you feel the weight of Charleston's past. Inside, the immersion begins immediately -- postcards, patches, and meaningful souvenirs that make it easy to bring a little history home for friends and family. The highlight, though, was the tour. Our guide was a jolly local with razor-sharp, dry Southern wit -- the kind of storyteller who can pivot from Revolutionary War imprisonment to a perfectly timed sarcastic aside without missing a beat. Equal parts charm and "bless your heart," she made centuries-old history feel present and personal. Down in the Provost Dungeon, those brick walls carry gravity. British occupation. Prisoners of war. Pirates passing through. It's one of those rare spaces where you instinctively lower your voice. You don't just learn history -- you feel it. History hit different here. If you appreciate immersive storytelling, preserved architecture, and a tour that balances education with personality, this is absolutely worth your time.

Barry was a fabulous tour guide --he really brought all the history alive. It's amazing all that…read morewent on in there. Easy to navigate as well. Love the military discount, too!

This is one of the most iconic if not THE most iconic sign in Charleston! Every holiday is captured…read moreby the Coburg Cow... Quite the wardrobe and decor this cow has! Want to know how serious a storm is? This cow don't fly through the sky... She gets taken down as to keep protected if the weather is bad. When the cow is down, it's serious business... A hurricane IS coming!

The Coburg Cow is the unofficial mascot of Weat Ashley! The Coburg Cow still stands even though the…read moreCoburg Dairy is no longer there. Several storms have knocked her down or knocked her bottle of milk off the stand, but you can still find her dressed up for every holiday, including St. Patrick's Day and Christmas!

Touring the Magnolia Plantation was a highlight of our trip to Charleston. We went with a small…read moretour group (12 people) we signed up at the Charleston visitor center so all three tours and transportation to and from were included in the price. We had the House tour which was very well done, interesting and educational. Throughly enjoyed it. We also did the tram tour through the property which we enjoyed a lot. The path was dry so we did get a dusty ride. In hindsight if the trail could have been lightly watered down to help with the dust this ride would have been much more enjoyable. The best of the three tours was the "Slavery to Freedom" tour. John was incredible telling the story of slavery and more importantly what these people went through. It was so educational hearing the story (instead of dates,) but emotionally moving. It made me realize that the history books used when I was in school were so generic and lacking any kind of detail and real life experiences these people went through. Seeing the slave houses with our hearing John's presentation would not have anywhere near the effect of seeing them after his presentation. John brought the real life detail to us. I told John that he should record his presentation and send a copy to every history school teacher in America. If you only go to one tour at the Magnolia Plantation, definitely go to John's "Slavery to Freedom" presentation.

Beautiful grounds for a wine stroll on a spring evening…read more A group of friends and I visited for one of their hosted wine strolls. A paid event where you receive 4 wine tickets and light snacks while enjoying the gardens after hours. We were able to see local wildlife and walk through the gardens while avoiding the massive crowds that usually frequent. Price is a little steep- other plantations and tours are a bit less.

Who doesn't enjoy watching recent (or sometimes cult) films in a small set of theaters. Want wine…read moreor beer to sip while watching, then this is the place. The seats are comfortable, the lobby can get just a bit crowded but not claustrophobic. Pick a movie from its website or on its lighted "awning" (as some call it) and you are certain to find something today, if not, then tomorrow as the films change sometimes every couple of days. I have seen and enjoyed here, every single time. Come here and ejnjoy. Down side? Looking for an extra couple of minutes to find a parking space out front or just start out back instead for sure parking.

Terrace is my go to theatre. It's small, vintage, welcoming and just plain cool. The small intimate…read morevibe might not be for everyone but I recommend you give it a shot. Not only do they show the recent flux, but they have special events for cult classics frequently. Including a Rocky Horror advent where vendors are in attendance and costumes are encouraged. This theatre offers alcoholic beverages, popcorn and candy of course, and service that goes above and beyond. There is a reason they have been voted the best theatre for the last 11 years in Charleston. I recommend you check it out for yourself, though.

Had a wonderful hair cut here. Staff were all extremely nice. Dedicated surface lot--yes!…read moreRecommended!

I went on my honeymoon here and it was the best experience. I miss this place and have such good…read morememories. I can't wait to return, and look forward to coming back.

This fountain is a main attraction to Charleston. It was a beautiful as all the pictures and very…read morepleasant to just sit and relax in the park. There are 2 small walking paths on either side around the park. ...you are also allowed to go in the fountain. I went in the middle of winter. The water was freezing, but it was a memory!

The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park in Charleston is a symbol of the city and beautiful place…read moreto visit. It's surrounded by trees and looks right out onto the Charleston harbor. The area around the fountain is a nice place for a stroll. Street parking can be tough, especially during peak hours.

Working artists in a collective space invite you to explore their work.read more

i wanted to buy more art, so i showed up at 2:20pm and they were all locked up. sign on the door…read moreand google says they close at 3pm. just an fyi- call before you show up.

A visit to the Gibbes is a great way to get a taste of low country art!…read more They feature a mix of pieces from a variety of time periods. I especially enjoyed the exhibits focused on local artists and the fascinating historical pieces like mini portraits and slave tags. The sweetgrass basketry is a sight to behold. Love that they uplift artists/art that may have historically been overlooked by other museums. The building itself is beautiful on the inside - definitely check out the grand room with the domes! I'd say to give yourself about 3 hours to be able to enjoy the museum. This is a wonderful way to break up a day in Charleston (especially if the weather isn't ideal)! We were able to gain admission for free since we're members of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, and both museums are part of the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM).

Very informative and educational place. Highly recommend when you're in Charleston. The admission…read moreprice is a little high, but well worth it. Unfortunately when you're on vacation, you spend money.

We did the nighttime ghost tour with Bulldog Tours. Our group really enjoyed this ship! My…read moregrandfather was in the Navy during the era this ship was active and it was cool to think about him working and living on a similar ship. We definitely want to come back and visit and do the full tour as well.

Super affordable and you could spend all day here. There are several self-guided walking tours that…read moreyou can take that are very well marked and easy to navigate. The medal of freedom museum is amazing, the destroyer was closed at the time we visited but we were still very impressed. Head over to the Vietnam exhibits after you're done on the Yorktown!